It was a big travel day to get to Florence on Mother's Day and WHAT a Mother's Day it was. We stopped at Brolio Castle which dates back to the middle ages, and explored the beautiful castle grounds with fantastic panoramic views over the Chianti region.
We learned a bit about Baron Bettino Ricasoli, a politician and wine entrepreneur who created the formula for Chianti Classico in 1872. The castle has been in the Ricasoli family for over 800 years. It was interesting and a little creepy to go down to the icy crypt and read all their names and dates of birth and death, from the 1800s to 2013.
It was fun to learn more about the creation of Chianti Classico and the rigorous regulations regarding wine production in Italy. We are getting super spoiled by these private rooms and terrific hosts!
And then, we had an amazing lunch at Ristoro di Lamole - a small place up a windy road that seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, but was packed with people. The food was delicious and the view could not have been prettier. See for yourself! For some reason, the waiters were all really good looking so when Karen ordered dessert she told our dark haired, blue eyed waiter that she wanted the strawberry dessert and he was VERY handsome. Everyone laughed and she said, "I'm just saying what everyone is thinking!" Lots of blushing and laughing. There is lots of general hilarity at meals - induced by good living, good wine and good company.
After lunch it was on to Florence. We arrived in the late afternoon and checked into Hotel Monna Lisa, formerly the Palazzo Antico, dating back to the 1300s. Our room looks out at the garden - filled with flowers - and the hotel is just a few minutes walk to the main plaza. Karen, Rae and I quickly regrouped because to see Brunelleschi's dome at sunset - the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore! Absolutely stunning, humongous and humbling.
We wandered down the shopping streets to the Ponte Vecchio as the sun was setting. It was total golden hour and just MAGIC to be in Florence!
It is light way past 8:30 so of course we got a head start on exploring, eating and shopping. Looking forward to several days here!
Diana M Chang
2022-05-15
How come no photos of handsome waiters??
maiar
2022-05-15
I added one! Haha. Trying not to be so obvious and take their pictures!